Debut of Windows 7 to Fuel Demand for New PCs in 2nd Half of 2009

Taipei, May 7, 2009 (CENS)--With Microsoft scheduled to officially launch its newest PC operating system Windows 7 in the third quarter of this year, demand of consumers and enterprises for new PCs is expected to be fueled by debut of the operating system, according to industry sources.

Recently, Microsoft has officially released its Windows 7 RC (release candidate) for registered developers to download their copies through the Internet, indicating that Windows 7 full version will soon hit the consumer market.

According to IDC (International Data Corp.), global sales of PCs totaled 280 million units in 2008, with notebook PCs and netbook PCs serving as major growth drives. The figure is estimated to increase to 320 million units in 2010 and 400 million units in 2011. IDC analysts added that notebook PCs will approximately command a 54% share of the overall PC sales this year and 70% in 2013.

However, Windows 7 supports multi-touch screen functions and is expected to boost popularization of All-in-one to infuse growth momentum into the shrinking segment of desk PCs, with a number of PC brands and makers, including Acer Inc., Asustek Computer Inc., Quanta Computer Inc., Compal Electronics Inc., Wistron Corp. and Inventec Corp., as well as touch panel and peripheral suppliers, such as Wintek Corp., Shin Zu Shing Co., etc., to benefit from the boom along with popularity of Intel's newest platform CULV (consumer ultra low voltage), according to industry insiders.